Motor controller targets mobile robot, automation applications

Roboteq’s MDC2250 controller is capable of driving two dc motors up to 60 amps each.

SOURCE: Roboteq

06/01/2011

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Roboteq’s intelligent MDC2250 controller is capable of directly driving two dc motors up to 60 amps each, at up to 50 V. The MDC2250 is targeted at designers of mobile robots, Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs), or any other high power motor control application.

The controller accepts commands, and can switch automatically from analog joystick, standard R/C radio, USB or RS232 interface. Using the USB or serial port, the MDC2250 can be used to design fully or semi-autonomous robots by connecting it to single board computers, wireless modems or WiFi adapters.

The MDC2250 incorporates a Basic Language Interpreter capable of executing over 50,000 basic instructions per second. This feature can be used to write powerful scripts for adding custom functions, or for developing automated systems without the need for an external PLC or microcomputer.

The controller's two channels can be operated independently or combined to set the direction and rotation of a vehicle by coordinating the motors on each side (tank-like steering). The motors may be operated in open or closed loop speed or position modes with a 1 kHz update rate. The MDC2250 includes inputs for two Quadrature Encoders up to 250 kHz measurement.

It features intelligent current sensing that will automatically limit the power output to 60A in all load conditions. The controller also includes protection against overheat, stall, and short circuits. The controller can be ordered in a single channel version with a drive output up to 120 A.

The controller includes up to 4 analog, 6 digital and 4 pulse inputs. Two 1A digital outputs are provided for activating, lights, valves, brakes or other accessories. The controller’s operation can be optimized using nearly 80 configurable parameters, such as programmable acceleration or deceleration, amps limits, operating voltage range, use of I/O, and more.